May 15, 2024 Lunch Recap

What a special luncheon we had Thursday, thanks to our guest speaker John Tumino, founder of In my Father’s Kitchen. John shared that his story started when he was led to buy lunch for a man standing on a corner with a cardboard sign and let him know “you are not invisible. From there came In My Father’s Kitchen, a faith-based organization offering non-denominational and non-discriminatory assistance to homeless people through direct street outreach. (Read John’s story –https://inmyfatherskitchen.org/about-us/)

John shared how the three outreach services they provide meet the needs of so many homeless individuals in our community.

Street Outreach Care Managers along with a physician from Upstate University Hospital travel throughout Syracuse twice-weekly bringing food and emergency supplies to individuals who live in abandoned buildings, hidden encampments and secluded areas under bridges and overpasses. They connect with homeless individuals, distributing food, bottled water, blankets, toiletries, clothing and medical attention when needed.

Hire Ground is a collaborative partnership with the County of Onondaga. This 5 hour work program gives help and hope to the unemployed homeless and panhandlers in the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Through a special donation, Life House was created. Life House is a nine-month journey for women who are survivors of human trafficking, with staff onsite to assist in each resident’s healing process.

John challenged us all with his story to not look past the individuals on the corner with a cardboard sign. To see them. To let them know we see them, not with giving them cash but with words. Ask if they might like lunch or other necessities. If you would like to help In My Father’s Kitchen with financial or goody bag donations, you can contact them at (315) 308-1561 or admin@inmyfatherskitchen.org. Together we can help homeless individuals bridge out from under the bridge.